Naniniwala si undefeated Venezuelan super featherweight champion Edwin Valero na siya ang magiging sagot sa mga katanungan ni Oscar Dela Hoya tungkol kay Manny Pacquiao.
Kasabay ng pagkuha kay legendary trainer Angelo Dundee, pinapunta naman ng Golden Boy Promotions ang 26-anyos na si Valero, ang kasalukuyang super featherweight titlist ng World Boxing Association (WBA), sa Big Bear training camp sa California kung saan nag-eensayo si Dela Hoya.
“It’s an opportunity that will permit to learn a lot and I’m going to give everything in my power to help Dela Hoya and his team,” sabi ni Valero, may 24-0-0 win-loss-draw ring record kasama ang 24 KOs.
Kagaya ng 29-anyos na si Pacquiao, isa ring southpaw o kaliwete si Valero.
“I believe my southpaw style and my aggressiveness will give him what he wants out of me,” ani Valero, hindi pa rin pinapayagan ng Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) na lumaban sa Las Vegas mula sa isang motorcycle accident na puminsala sa kanyang utak. “I expect to be very useful to Oscar and his team.”
Gagamitin rin ni Valero at ng kanyang trainer na si Kenny Adams ang nasabing panahon sa Big Bear para paghandaan ang inaayos nilang world interim lightweight fight kay Antonio Pitalua ng Colombia.
“There is still nothing concrete on the fight with Pitalua. At the moment I will concentrate on my work in Big Bear with Oscar Dela Hoya,” sabi ni Valero. “I like California, it gives me the opportunity to work with dedication and without any distraction.”
Dati nang hinamon ni Valero si Pacquiao, makikipagharap kay Dela Hoya sa isang non-title welterweight fight sa Disyembre 6 sa MGM Grand Garden Arena sa Las Vegas, sa super featherweight division. (Russell Cadayona)